1. PRESSURE GROUPS An Introduction

2. What do you care about? What issues at Ravens Wood School need addressing?

3. What are Pressure Groups? (or Lobby Groups, Interest Groups, Protest Groups) An organised group that does not put up candidates but seek to influence government policy or legislation. These include trade unions – groups who represent the rights of workers within a specific profession – e.g. teachers, nurses

4. List of UK Pressure Groups Migration Watch UK Stop The War Coalition Muslim Council for Britain Countryside Alliance Greenpeace Friends of the Earth Campaign for Real Ale Animal Liberation Front Fathers 4 Justice LIFE Amnesty International JUSTICE Christian Aid

5. Videos PETA (US) PETA Fathers 4 Justice Countryside Alliance

6. Do Pressure Groups Benefit Democracy? YES They allow people to come together and express their views They act as a more efficient link between public and politicians They allow people to participate and engage in the political process They defend minority interests and give them a ‘voice’ They provide valuable information to governments in specialist fields

7. Do Pressure Groups Benefit Democracy? NO Their views are biased in support of their own agenda They can slow down the political process Favours groups with financial backing History of violence and criminality Leaders of the group may be unrepresentative of interest

8. Pressure Groups – Vote Results 1.Democratic vote for Head Boy/Girl (4 votes) Tied 2 nd : Toilets – especially girls’ facilities (3 votes) Standards of classroom furniture/general decor (3 votes) Better/bigger 6th Form Area (3 votes)

9. Pressure Groups By the end of the lesson you will have formed three separate pressure groups. Requirements of pressure groups: 1.Appropriate name 2.Key campaign agenda (three points/proposals) 3.At least one sensible action route